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Henry ‘Chips’ Channon: The Diaries (Volume 3): 1943-57
- Narrated by: Tom Ward
- Length: 48 hrs and 17 mins
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Henry ‘Chips’ Channon: The Diaries (Volume 3): 1943-57
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
This third and final volume of the unexpurgated diaries of Sir Henry 'Chips' Channon begins as the Second World War is turning in the Allies' favour. It ends with a prematurely aged Chips descending into poor health but still socially active and able to turn a pointed phrase about the political events that swirl around him and the great and the good with whom he mingles.
Throughout these final 14 years, Chips assiduously describes events in and around Westminster, gossiping about individual MPs' ambitions and indiscretions, but also rising powerfully to the occasion to capture the mood of the House on VE Day or the ceremony of George VI's funeral. His energies, though, are increasingly absorbed by a private life that at times reaches Byzantine levels of complexity. Separated and then divorced from his wife, Honor, he conducts passionate relationships with a young officer on Wavell's staff and with the playwright Terence Rattigan, while being serially unfaithful to both. The one constant in his life is his son, Paul, whom he adores.
Through Chips' friendship with Rattigan, we encounter the London of the theatre and the cinema, peopled by such figures as John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. At the same time we continue to experience vicariously a seemingly endless social round of grand parties and receptions at which Chips might well rub shoulders with Lady Diana Cooper, or Cecil Beaton, or the Mountbattens or any number of dethroned European monarchs. Those unfortunate enough to die while the pen is in Chips' hand are frequently captured in less than flattering epigrammatic obituaries. The Archbishop of Canterbury was a 'fat fool of 63'. Lloyd George was a 'wicked unscrupulous rogue of charm'. George Bernard Shaw 'died as he lived - very selfishly'. But Chips' gift for friendship and his frequent kindness shine through, too.
He has been described as 'The greatest British diarist of the 20th century'. This final volume fully justifies that accolade.
Critic reviews
"An utterly addictive glimpse of London high society and politics in the 40s and 50s, superlatively edited by Simon Heffer." (Robert Harris)
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What listeners say about Henry ‘Chips’ Channon: The Diaries (Volume 3): 1943-57
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- David from Edinburgh
- 15-02-24
Compelling - best baddie since Flashman
Long before the arrival of woke, we had Chips who chronicled the foibles of the Downton brigade including those of both genders with whom he had numerous Ugandan discussions. In this volume he has to balance his passion for both Peter Coats and Terence Rattigan which is never dull.. The snobbery, anti-semitism and enemas of the previous volumes are still there so not the ideal birthday present gift for prim Aunt Euphemia or sensitive vegan youngsters. Both he and Alan Clark were ghastly human beings but wrote riveting diaries over years . The narration captures his self-importance wonderfully.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- b-script
- 26-02-23
Enchanting narrative and insight
Found it most addictive as 'Chips' chronicles his life, fortunes and misfortunes, alongside with the events that shaped the 20th century history, as seen from very close quarters and which persist to this day. Extraordinary. Very well narrated too. Well done.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- dave
- 10-06-23
Stunning
The three volumes are about 100 hours in total. Anybody studying that period in history should listen to these, as they are such a unique insight.
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- F. Wynn
- 23-01-23
Generous host to so many parasites
Interesting, amusing, informative.
A life of luxury ( thanks to Guinness family money) . He was both scathing, and amusing , in his descriptions of his political peers.
He was saviour to those ‘ has been’ foreign royalties.
He wanted to be liked, so much.
So much colonic emptying !
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- Francis Duffy
- 05-02-23
Excellent
very interesting and well read.how times have changed.the war was very different for some people.
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- Anonymous User
- 04-07-23
Great listen
Really interesting and informative enjoyed all of the diaries. What an interesting life. Great insight into his way of life.
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- A. Moorhouse Sacred Earth
- 07-12-22
brilliance
Full of wit and scandal once again, the narrator is again brilliant. The end feels like the loss of an old friend after sharing three joyous, illuminating volumes of adventures.
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- Johnny Davies
- 13-12-22
An important historical document
This important historical document is both engagingly read as well as enthralling to listen to.
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- clare
- 13-01-23
Riveting
Absolutely fascinating insight into high society and politics during this period. Read all three volumes and wish there was more.
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- Fiona
- 13-02-23
Good production but flawed!
I’ve enjoyed all three books as they are brilliantly written but the reader has trouble with certain English and French pronunciations. That’s a shame but doesn’t spoil the enjoyment. I will definitely listen again!
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1 person found this helpful